We live in a chaotic world that constantly exposes us to sounds, sights, and smells that can overwhelm us mentally, physically and emotionally. We suffer from overstimulation that manifests itself in feelings of anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, fear, and more.
Now, more than ever, we need to learn to find our inner quiet place. The following are seven reasons why the search for yours is so important.
1. Relieve your depression and anxiety
Research by Johns Hopkins revealed that 30-40 minutes of daily mindful meditation provided an equal amount of relief from the symptoms of depression and anxiety as has been shown in other research from antidepressant medications.
2. Decrease inflammatory pain
In a study done by the University of Wisconsin, researchers concluded that mindfulness meditation techniques seemed to be more effective in providing relief of inflammatory symptoms than other wellness activities.
3. Increase awareness of yourself
Through the practice of meditation, individuals are able to reflect on their emotions, memories, and behaviors from an objective perspective. For many, this allows them to better understand their thoughts and actions when responding to other people or circumstances.
4. Achieve a peaceful state of mind
Using MRI scans, it has been scientifically demonstrated that 20 minutes of focused meditation can alter brain waves from a state of arousal to a state of deep relaxation. This conversion from aroused alpha waves to relaxed theta waves clearly shows that the regular practice of meditation can bring you into a calm and peaceful state of mind.
5. Expand your mind (literally)
A study from UCLA revealed that spending regular, consistent periods of time in silence, and allowing the mind to rest, actually improved the “folds” of the cortex, which increases its ability to cognitively process information.
6. Start your creative process
A large part of the creative process is a beginning stage called “incubation.” This incubation is where all our ideas and inspirations can come together and blossom into sparks of creative genius. All that is required for this state to flourish is quiet time to disconnect from the demands of life, which often drain our creative energy.
7. Improve the quality of your sleep
According to research by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, learning deep relaxation techniques during daytime meditation was shown to improve the quality of sleep at night. The participants of the study all struggled with chronic primary insomnia, which is believed to be the result of a constant state of hyperarousal.
However, all the subjects who used meditation had marked improvement in their total sleep time, total wake time, sleep efficiency, sleep quality and depression.
Mindful meditation can be practiced on a regular basis with ease. Incorporating it into your regular daily schedule will likely go far to improve many, if not all, areas of your life. Give it a try and see for yourself.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.inspiremalibu.com/blog/healthy-living/7-reasons-to-meditate-and-quiet-the-mind
http://www.beliefnet.com/Wellness/Galleries/10-Important-Reasons-to-Start-Making-Time-for-Silence-Rest-and-Solitude.aspx
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072719.htm
